Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A triple fusion imaging device for sentinel lymphadenectomy for laparoscopic surgery comprising: a composite laparoscope for near infrared rat/gamma ray/visible ray acquisition configured to acquire triple images of a gamma ray from a gamma ray emitting radioactive material injected to a diseased part, a visible ray, and a near infrared ray; an optical fiber configured to transmit the triple images acquired from the composite laparoscope; wherein the composite laparoscope for near infrared ray/gamma ray/visible ray acquisition configured to acquire triple images configured from: a lens configured to focus the visible ray and the near infrared ray to a focal plane, a collimator configured to remove an unnecessary background gamma ray for gamma ray imaging or counting scheme, and for acquiring a wide field of view image, a gamma ray scintillation crystal configured to obtain a gamma ray scintillation image by an interaction with a gamma ray emitted from a radioactive material injected to the diseased part, and an optical mechanism by which the sensitivities and resolutions of the near infrared ray and gamma ray are adjustable by changing the distances between at least two parts among the lens, the collimator and the gamma ray scintillation crystal; an optical fiber configured to transmit the triple images acquired from the composite laparoscope; an optical source configured to generate a white light for acquiring a visible image through the optical fiber and a near infrared ray excitation light for acquiring a near infrared ray image by exciting a near infrared ray emitting fluorescence material at the disease part; an optical-to-electrical conversion module configured to separate individual images of the visible ray, near infrared ray and gamma ray from the triple images delivered through the optical fiber and then respectively convert the individual images to electrical signals; a matching unit configured to match a visible image signal, a near infrared image signal and a gamma ray image signal from the optical-to-electrical conversion module to one image; and an image display unit configured to display the image from the matching unit.
This invention relates to a triple fusion imaging device for sentinel lymphadenectomy in laparoscopic surgery, addressing the challenge of accurately identifying and visualizing sentinel lymph nodes during minimally invasive procedures. The device integrates near-infrared, gamma ray, and visible light imaging to provide real-time, multi-modal visualization of radioactive tracers and fluorescent markers injected into diseased tissue. The system includes a composite laparoscope equipped with a lens to focus visible and near-infrared light, a collimator to filter background gamma radiation, and a scintillation crystal to capture gamma ray emissions from radioactive tracers. An adjustable optical mechanism allows fine-tuning of sensitivity and resolution for near-infrared and gamma ray imaging by varying the distances between the lens, collimator, and scintillation crystal. The laparoscope transmits acquired images via an optical fiber to an optical-to-electrical conversion module, which separates and converts the visible, near-infrared, and gamma ray signals into electrical outputs. These signals are then matched into a single composite image by a matching unit and displayed on an image display unit. Additionally, an optical source generates white light for visible imaging and near-infrared excitation light to activate fluorescent markers at the disease site. The device enhances surgical precision by combining real-time anatomical, functional, and molecular imaging, improving sentinel lymph node detection during laparoscopic procedures.
2. The triple fusion imaging device for sentinel lymphadenectomy for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 1 , wherein the collimator is a diverging collimator, a parallel-hole collimator, or a single or multi- pinhole collimator.
This invention relates to a triple fusion imaging device designed for sentinel lymphadenectomy in laparoscopic surgery. The device integrates multiple imaging modalities to enhance the visualization and identification of sentinel lymph nodes during minimally invasive procedures. The primary challenge addressed is the difficulty in accurately locating sentinel lymph nodes, which is critical for effective cancer staging and treatment. Traditional methods often rely on separate imaging techniques, leading to limitations in precision and real-time guidance. The device includes a collimator, which can be configured as a diverging collimator, a parallel-hole collimator, or a single or multi-pinhole collimator. These collimator types are used to shape and direct radiation or light for imaging purposes, improving the clarity and resolution of the captured images. The collimator works in conjunction with other components to provide high-quality, multi-modal imaging data, which is fused into a single output. This fusion allows surgeons to visualize anatomical structures, lymphatic pathways, and sentinel nodes with greater accuracy during laparoscopic procedures. The device is particularly useful in laparoscopic surgery, where space constraints and limited visibility pose challenges. By combining different imaging techniques, the system enhances the surgeon's ability to identify and target sentinel lymph nodes, improving the efficiency and outcomes of sentinel lymphadenectomy. The collimator's adaptability ensures optimal imaging performance across various surgical scenarios.
3. The triple fusion imaging device for sentinel lymphadenectomy for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 2 , wherein, when the collimator is a pinhole collimator and a diameter of the pinhole is D, a unique resolution of the gamma ray, point source sensitivities and sheet source sensitivities of the gamma ray, the near infrared ray and the visible ray are determined by prescribed equations.
This invention relates to a triple fusion imaging device designed for sentinel lymphadenectomy in laparoscopic surgery. The device integrates gamma ray, near-infrared (NIR), and visible light imaging to enhance precision in identifying sentinel lymph nodes during minimally invasive procedures. The primary challenge addressed is the need for high-resolution, multi-modal imaging to improve surgical accuracy while minimizing tissue disruption. The device includes a collimator, specifically a pinhole collimator with a defined pinhole diameter (D), which shapes the gamma ray detection field. The pinhole collimator's design ensures that the gamma ray imaging achieves a unique resolution, optimized for detecting radioactive tracers used to mark sentinel lymph nodes. Additionally, the device measures point source and sheet source sensitivities for gamma rays, NIR rays, and visible light, all governed by prescribed mathematical equations. These equations ensure that the imaging system maintains consistent performance across all three modalities, allowing surgeons to correlate real-time visual, NIR, and gamma ray data during surgery. The integration of these imaging techniques into a single device enables surgeons to navigate with greater precision, reducing the risk of lymph node misidentification and improving outcomes in cancer staging and treatment. The pinhole collimator's role is critical in balancing resolution and sensitivity, ensuring that the gamma ray imaging remains sharp and accurate while the NIR and visible light channels provide contextual anatomical guidance. This multi-modal approach addresses the limitations of single-modality imaging systems, which may lack either resolution or real-time anatomical context.
4. The triple fusion imaging device for sentinel lymphadenectomy for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 3 , wherein, in the pinhole collimator, a tungsten collimator is replaceable by another by using a rotary wheel, and 5 to 7 tungsten blades of which are assembled to freely adjust a diameter of a hole from 0.5 mm to 8 mm.
This invention relates to a triple fusion imaging device designed for sentinel lymphadenectomy in laparoscopic surgery. The device addresses the challenge of accurately identifying and visualizing sentinel lymph nodes during minimally invasive procedures, where traditional imaging methods may lack precision or flexibility. The device integrates three imaging modalities to enhance detection: fluorescence imaging, near-infrared (NIR) imaging, and X-ray imaging. The X-ray component includes a pinhole collimator with a tungsten collimator that can be replaced using a rotary wheel mechanism. The collimator assembly consists of 5 to 7 tungsten blades, allowing the diameter of the pinhole to be adjusted between 0.5 mm and 8 mm. This adjustability enables optimization of imaging resolution and field of view based on surgical requirements. The rotary wheel mechanism facilitates quick swapping of collimators, ensuring adaptability to different imaging conditions without disrupting the surgical workflow. The device is specifically configured for laparoscopic surgery, where space constraints and the need for real-time imaging precision are critical. By combining multiple imaging techniques, the device improves the accuracy of sentinel lymph node detection, reducing the risk of incomplete node removal and enhancing surgical outcomes.
5. The triple fusion imaging device for sentinel lymphadenectomy for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 1 , wherein the near infrared ray emitting fluorescence material is indocyanine green.
This invention relates to a triple fusion imaging device designed for sentinel lymphadenectomy in laparoscopic surgery. The device addresses the challenge of accurately identifying and visualizing sentinel lymph nodes during minimally invasive procedures, where traditional imaging methods may lack precision or require multiple modalities. The device integrates three imaging technologies: near-infrared fluorescence imaging, visible light imaging, and laparoscopic imaging. The near-infrared fluorescence component uses indocyanine green (ICG) as the emitting material, which is injected into the patient to highlight sentinel lymph nodes. The visible light imaging provides standard color visualization of the surgical field, while the laparoscopic imaging offers a magnified, high-resolution view of the targeted area. These three imaging modalities are fused in real-time to provide a comprehensive, multi-dimensional view for the surgeon, enhancing the accuracy of lymph node detection and removal. The device includes a light source for exciting the ICG, a detector for capturing the fluorescence signal, and a processing unit that combines the three imaging streams into a single, overlaid display. This fusion allows surgeons to correlate fluorescent signals with anatomical structures in real-time, improving procedural efficiency and reducing the risk of missed nodes. The system is designed to be compatible with existing laparoscopic equipment, ensuring seamless integration into current surgical workflows. The use of ICG ensures biocompatibility and minimal patient risk, as it is a well-established contrast agent in medical imaging.
6. The triple fusion imaging device for sentinel lymphadenectomy for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 1 , wherein the gamma ray radioactive material is a compound containing 99m Tc.
This invention relates to a triple fusion imaging device designed for sentinel lymphadenectomy in laparoscopic surgery. The device addresses the challenge of accurately identifying and removing sentinel lymph nodes during minimally invasive procedures, where visibility is limited. The system integrates three imaging modalities: fluorescence imaging, near-infrared (NIR) imaging, and gamma ray imaging. The fluorescence imaging uses a fluorescent tracer to highlight lymphatic pathways, while the NIR imaging provides deeper tissue penetration for enhanced visualization. The gamma ray imaging detects radioactive material, specifically a compound containing 99m Tc, which is injected to mark sentinel lymph nodes. The device combines these imaging techniques in real-time to guide surgeons during laparoscopic surgery, improving precision and reducing the need for invasive node dissection. The integration of gamma ray imaging with 99m Tc enhances the detection of radioactive nodes, ensuring accurate identification while minimizing radiation exposure. The system is designed to be compact and compatible with laparoscopic instruments, allowing seamless integration into existing surgical workflows. This multi-modal approach improves surgical outcomes by providing comprehensive visualization of lymphatic structures, reducing procedural errors, and enhancing patient safety.
7. The triple fusion imaging device for sentinel lymphadenectomy for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 6 , wherein the compound containing 99m Tc is 99m Tc-antimony sulfide, 99m Tc-sulfur colloid, 99m Tc-nanocolloid, 99m Tc-human serum albumin, or 99m Tc-phytate colloid.
This invention relates to a triple fusion imaging device designed for sentinel lymphadenectomy during laparoscopic surgery. The device addresses the challenge of accurately identifying and visualizing sentinel lymph nodes, which are critical for staging and treating cancers such as breast cancer and melanoma. Traditional methods often rely on separate imaging modalities, leading to limitations in precision and real-time guidance. The device integrates three imaging techniques: fluorescence imaging, near-infrared (NIR) imaging, and radionuclide imaging. Fluorescence imaging uses a fluorescent tracer to highlight lymphatic pathways, while NIR imaging provides deeper tissue penetration for enhanced visualization. Radionuclide imaging employs a radioactive tracer, specifically a compound containing technetium-99m (99m Tc), to detect sentinel lymph nodes with high sensitivity. The 99m Tc compound can be 99m Tc-antimony sulfide, 99m Tc-sulfur colloid, 99m Tc-nanocolloid, 99m Tc-human serum albumin, or 99m Tc-phytate colloid, each selected based on their biocompatibility and binding properties. The device combines these imaging modalities into a single system, allowing surgeons to simultaneously visualize lymphatic drainage patterns and sentinel nodes in real time. This multimodal approach improves accuracy, reduces procedural time, and minimizes tissue damage compared to conventional methods. The integration of radionuclide imaging with optical techniques enhances both surface and deep-tissue visualization, making it particularly useful in minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures.
8. The triple fusion imaging device for sentinel lymphadenectomy for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 1 , wherein the gamma ray scintillation crystal is GSO, BGO, or CsI(Tl).
This invention relates to a triple fusion imaging device designed for sentinel lymphadenectomy during laparoscopic surgery. The device addresses the challenge of accurately identifying and removing sentinel lymph nodes, which are critical for cancer staging and treatment planning. Traditional methods often rely on separate imaging modalities, leading to limitations in precision and real-time guidance. The device integrates three imaging technologies: gamma ray detection, fluorescence imaging, and visible light imaging. The gamma ray scintillation crystal, which detects radioactive tracers injected near the tumor, is made from GSO (gadolinium orthosilicate), BGO (bismuth germanate), or CsI(Tl) (thallium-doped cesium iodide). These materials are chosen for their high detection efficiency and energy resolution, ensuring accurate localization of the sentinel lymph nodes. The fluorescence imaging component visualizes near-infrared (NIR) signals from injected dyes, while the visible light imaging provides standard laparoscopic views. By fusing these three imaging modalities, the device offers real-time, multi-modal guidance to surgeons, improving the accuracy and efficiency of lymph node detection and removal. The system is designed for use in minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, reducing patient trauma and recovery time compared to open surgery.
9. The triple fusion imaging device for sentinel lymphadenectomy for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 1 , wherein the optical-to electrical conversion module is configured from: a first dichroic mirror configured to separate a gamma ray scintillation in a 400 to 500 nm band from a light incident through the optical fiber; a first bandpass filter configured to pass only the gamma ray scintillation in the 400 to 500 nm band; a first CCD configured to convert the gamma ray scintillation in the 400 to 500 nm band to an electrical signal; a second dichroic mirror configured to separate a visible ray in a 500 to 700 nm band from a light passing through the first dichroic mirror; a second bandpass filter configured to pass only the visible ray in the 500 to 700 nm band; a second CCD configured to convert the visible ray in the 500 to 700 nm band to an electrical signal; and a third bandpass filter configured to pass only a near infrared ray in a 790 to 875 nm band from a light passing through the second dichroic mirror; and a third CCD configured to convert the near infrared ray in the 790 to 875 nm band to an electrical signal.
A triple fusion imaging device for sentinel lymphadenectomy in laparoscopic surgery integrates multiple imaging modalities to enhance visualization during minimally invasive procedures. The device captures and processes light from an optical fiber, separating it into distinct spectral bands for simultaneous detection of gamma rays, visible light, and near-infrared (NIR) signals. A first dichroic mirror isolates gamma ray scintillation in the 400–500 nm range, which is then filtered and converted to an electrical signal by a first CCD. The remaining light passes through a second dichroic mirror, which separates visible light in the 500–700 nm range, filtered and converted by a second CCD. The final dichroic mirror isolates NIR light in the 790–875 nm range, filtered and converted by a third CCD. This multi-spectral approach enables real-time fusion of gamma, visible, and NIR imaging, improving the identification of sentinel lymph nodes during surgery. The system enhances precision by combining radioactive tracer detection with optical imaging, addressing challenges in laparoscopic visualization where traditional methods may lack sufficient contrast or resolution.
10. The triple fusion imaging device for sentinel lymphadenectomy for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 1 , wherein the optical-to-electrical conversion module is configured from: one CCD; and a filter rotator configured from: a first bandpass filter configured to pass only a gamma ray scintillation in a 400 to 500 nm band; a second bandpass filter configured to only pass a visible ray in a 500 to 700 nm band; and a third bandpass filter configured to pass only an infrared ray in a 790 to 875 nm band.
This invention relates to a triple fusion imaging device designed for sentinel lymphadenectomy in laparoscopic surgery, addressing the need for enhanced visualization during minimally invasive procedures. The device integrates multiple imaging modalities to improve surgical precision by combining gamma ray scintillation, visible light, and infrared imaging into a single system. The optical-to-electrical conversion module uses a charge-coupled device (CCD) paired with a filter rotator to sequentially capture different wavelength bands. The filter rotator includes three bandpass filters: one for gamma ray scintillation (400-500 nm), another for visible light (500-700 nm), and a third for infrared imaging (790-875 nm). This configuration allows real-time fusion of images from these distinct spectral ranges, providing surgeons with comprehensive visual data during lymph node detection and dissection. The system enhances accuracy by distinguishing between anatomical structures, radioactive tracers, and tissue perfusion, thereby improving outcomes in laparoscopic sentinel lymph node biopsies. The modular design ensures compatibility with existing laparoscopic equipment while offering superior imaging capabilities.
11. The triple fusion imaging device for sentinel lymphadenectomy for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 1 , wherein the matching unit, by being implemented with a computer (PC) configured to remove a noise so as to make each CCD image input from the optical-to-electrical conversion module have the same visual field, removes a noise for each frame of a gamma ray signal image incident to a first CCD with a median filter, and a total brightness value and a number of pixels having a value equal to or greater than a threshold value calculated in advance are calculated to be available as a real time counting mode.
This invention relates to a triple fusion imaging device for sentinel lymphadenectomy in laparoscopic surgery, addressing the challenge of accurately identifying sentinel lymph nodes during minimally invasive procedures. The device integrates multiple imaging modalities to enhance visualization and tracking of lymph nodes, which is critical for precise surgical navigation. The system includes an optical-to-electrical conversion module that captures images from different sources, including a gamma ray signal image detected by a first CCD (charge-coupled device) camera. A matching unit, implemented via a computer, processes these images to ensure alignment and consistency. The computer applies a median filter to each frame of the gamma ray signal image to reduce noise, ensuring that all images share the same visual field. Additionally, the system calculates the total brightness value and counts the pixels exceeding a predefined threshold, enabling real-time monitoring of gamma ray activity. This functionality supports surgeons by providing dynamic, noise-filtered imaging data to guide lymph node detection and removal during laparoscopic surgery. The device improves accuracy and efficiency in sentinel lymphadenectomy by combining multiple imaging inputs into a unified, high-fidelity output.
12. The triple fusion imaging device for sentinel lymphadenectomy for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 1 , further comprising: a fiber optic taper configured to deliver the visible ray image, near infrared ray image, and the gamma ray image to the optical fiber.
This invention relates to a triple fusion imaging device designed for sentinel lymphadenectomy in laparoscopic surgery. The device addresses the challenge of accurately identifying sentinel lymph nodes during minimally invasive procedures by integrating multiple imaging modalities into a single system. The device captures visible light, near-infrared (NIR), and gamma ray images, which are then combined to provide a comprehensive view of the surgical field. This fusion of imaging data enhances the surgeon's ability to locate and assess sentinel lymph nodes, improving the precision of lymphadenectomy procedures. The device includes a fiber optic taper that transmits the visible, NIR, and gamma ray images to an optical fiber. The fiber optic taper ensures efficient light collection and transmission, maintaining image quality while minimizing signal loss. The integration of these imaging modalities allows for real-time visualization of both anatomical structures (via visible light) and functional information (via NIR and gamma rays), such as lymph node activity or tracer distribution. This multi-modal approach reduces the need for separate imaging systems, streamlining the surgical workflow and enhancing procedural accuracy. The device is particularly useful in laparoscopic surgeries where space and visibility are limited, providing surgeons with a clearer and more detailed view of the target area.
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January 26, 2021
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